1998 for 2,500,what do you think?
02-12-18, 02:08 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
1998 for 2,500,what do you think?
What do you think.It isnt the low mile one Ive been thinking,but its clean as heck,maintanance is done.I insure for minimum only,if it lasts 2 years i could send it out and really be out nothing,if it does well all the better.thoughts please.
Lexus LS400 - $2500 (Torrance)
image 6 of 14
1998 lexus ls 400condition: good
cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 244000
paint color: black
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: sedan
1998 Lexus LS400 black with tan interior. Vehicle starts runs and drives beautifully, cold ac, heater, electric seats, moonroof. One of the best vehicles ever made by Lexus. No longer practical for me and I am letting it go. Timing belt and water pump replaced 20,000 miles ago not due again until 310,000 miles or 7 years from now. New interstate battery, recently replaced alternator, new tires, new strut rod bushings, upper control arms, front struts and mounts, new spark plugs (due every 60k), transmission fluid and engine oil recently serviced. New brake pads and rotors front and rear, new rear wheel bearings, new hood supports. I had never planned on ever selling this vehicle so all repairs and maintenance have been done with nothing but high quality parts, filters and fluids.cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 244000
paint color: black
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: sedan
- do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers
02-12-18, 02:46 PM
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
looks like guy knows his stuff.
Really,244,000 is no big deal if the work on upkeep has been done,correct?
If you have any opinion at all on this please post it.I need input,a lot of it.Ive never owned or bought a high mile car before,unknown territory for me.
Last edited by spuds; 02-12-18 at 03:13 PM.
02-12-18, 07:14 PM
#4
i just bought a 99 atlantis blue mica for $2600 with 239k on it.
No maintenance history either so perhaps I overpaid a bit.
I think that's a pretty good deal for that car honestly. Timing Belt has been done (hopefully with OEM parts), so that stands out to me
No maintenance history either so perhaps I overpaid a bit.
I think that's a pretty good deal for that car honestly. Timing Belt has been done (hopefully with OEM parts), so that stands out to me
02-12-18, 07:28 PM
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks Scraape.Info relates to me spot on,much appreciated.
Folks,what do you think of this? Is a 100,000 mile car without the work done for 3500 a better deal? Or does the work being done make the 244k car the better deal. Nephew mechanic says look at 100K cars for 3500.
Seems to me the 244k car would be better? Overall costs vrs more miles costing a bit (at least) more for sure. Tell me what you did personally. Really would appreciate the wisdom and experiences.
Folks,what do you think of this? Is a 100,000 mile car without the work done for 3500 a better deal? Or does the work being done make the 244k car the better deal. Nephew mechanic says look at 100K cars for 3500.
Seems to me the 244k car would be better? Overall costs vrs more miles costing a bit (at least) more for sure. Tell me what you did personally. Really would appreciate the wisdom and experiences.
02-12-18, 07:35 PM
#6
Thanks Scraape.Info relates to me spot on,much appreciated.
Folks,what do you think of this? Is a 100,000 mile car without the work done for 3500 a better deal? Or does the work being done make the 244k car the better deal. Nephew mechanic says look at 100K cars for 3500.
Seems to me the 244k car would be better? Overall costs vrs more miles costing a bit (at least) more for sure. Tell me what you did personally. Really would appreciate the wisdom and experiences.
Folks,what do you think of this? Is a 100,000 mile car without the work done for 3500 a better deal? Or does the work being done make the 244k car the better deal. Nephew mechanic says look at 100K cars for 3500.
Seems to me the 244k car would be better? Overall costs vrs more miles costing a bit (at least) more for sure. Tell me what you did personally. Really would appreciate the wisdom and experiences.
Yes, you will still need to do maintenance on the 100k mile car, but the low miles will help resale value possibly. I'd definitely consider it.
But if you're on a budget and just looking for something reliable, the high mileage car could be a good option. I own a 98 with 281k and a 99 with 239k . lol
02-12-18, 07:37 PM
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
Not currently a 100k car,nephew says he would personally look at that option.I do see cars in that bracket out here though.
I dont really see any reseller value short of a 50-60k car in my situation.
It has to do about 2000 miles a year.up and down a 10 mile stretch of mountain twice a month from 1500 to 5000 foot level,a trip or 2 of 50,maybe a 100 miles trip once a month or so.rest is in town,everything else needed pretty much within 2 miles of home.
Im in mtns about 30 miles east of Los Angeles Calif as the crow flies.
So i figure,drive it until I die,or it dies.
I dont really see any reseller value short of a 50-60k car in my situation.
It has to do about 2000 miles a year.up and down a 10 mile stretch of mountain twice a month from 1500 to 5000 foot level,a trip or 2 of 50,maybe a 100 miles trip once a month or so.rest is in town,everything else needed pretty much within 2 miles of home.
Im in mtns about 30 miles east of Los Angeles Calif as the crow flies.
So i figure,drive it until I die,or it dies.
Last edited by spuds; 02-12-18 at 07:58 PM.
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02-12-18, 07:42 PM
#8
02-12-18, 08:04 PM
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
Scraape,Ive seen better looking out here for the price.Must be our markets are different? Not a lot of nice ones,actually the market is hooptie junkers mostly,some 100-120k cars in 3500-4500 range depending on who is selling and how well theyve been treated,mostly fair/fair+ condition 175-225k cars(some nice ones in that group),a few nice high milers that have been maintained and a few crazy nice low mileage creampuffs in 8000 minimum range,50-60k cars.
Last edited by spuds; 02-12-18 at 08:13 PM.
02-12-18, 08:33 PM
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
OK,sent the guy an email,lets see if he replies. 
Edit,he emailed back,asked him to call me in AM.
Edit,he emailed back,asked him to call me in AM.
Last edited by spuds; 02-12-18 at 10:53 PM.
02-12-18, 11:06 PM
#11
Racer
I'd say that's a really good buy. I got my 97 at 253k miles and paid 2700 back in 2015.
But the nice things here are the preventative maintenance that's already done. Not just oil/filter changes and easy stuff. Looks like all the major, big costly things have been taken care of here, which would save you a lot of money on say, the 100k mile car which probably would be needing it soon regardless of the miles on it. Remember, a 100k mile car is still going to be 20years old and even low mileage can't prevent rubber deterioration.
If you can find out if he's replaced the Cam and Crank seals when he did the timing belt job, that would be the only hesitation on my part only because mine failed right about at that mileage, 255k, and coated my belt in oil.
But I'd say he's taken care of at least $2,500-3,000 in preventative maintenance that you won't have to worry about for a very long time.
Just for comparison sake, this is what I paid to do similar items on my 97:
Timing belt and Water pump - $175 for Aisin Kit and $400 for labor (most shops wanted to charge $550-600)
Struts and mounts - $250
Tires - $350 (cheap Champiro tires from Discount, previous owner), Michelins are about $500-600
Spark plugs - $60
Strut Rod bushings - $150 (bought Toyota bushings and paid shop to press out old and new)
Brakes Front and Rear - $150 using Raybestos and Wagner Thermoquiets (few hundred more if he used Genuine Lexus parts)
Upper Control arms - Moog ones are $130 each, $260 total (OEM Lexus are $550 per control arm!)
Denso Reman Alternator - $135 Rockauto
Battery - $130
Transmission Fluid - $75 Toyota T4 fluid and $20 Tranny filter, $95
Oil Filter change - $35
Wheel Bearings - $55 each, $110
Hood Struts - $36 Rockauto
TOTAL=$2,336 and most of that I didn't factor in the labor involved since I did it myself, so EASY $2,500-3,000 parts and labor to do all that.
I say if it drives well and you feel comfortable in your gut, the money does add up and it would be a great investment. since you could easily get 3500 for it.
But the nice things here are the preventative maintenance that's already done. Not just oil/filter changes and easy stuff. Looks like all the major, big costly things have been taken care of here, which would save you a lot of money on say, the 100k mile car which probably would be needing it soon regardless of the miles on it. Remember, a 100k mile car is still going to be 20years old and even low mileage can't prevent rubber deterioration.
If you can find out if he's replaced the Cam and Crank seals when he did the timing belt job, that would be the only hesitation on my part only because mine failed right about at that mileage, 255k, and coated my belt in oil.
But I'd say he's taken care of at least $2,500-3,000 in preventative maintenance that you won't have to worry about for a very long time.
Just for comparison sake, this is what I paid to do similar items on my 97:
Timing belt and Water pump - $175 for Aisin Kit and $400 for labor (most shops wanted to charge $550-600)
Struts and mounts - $250
Tires - $350 (cheap Champiro tires from Discount, previous owner), Michelins are about $500-600
Spark plugs - $60
Strut Rod bushings - $150 (bought Toyota bushings and paid shop to press out old and new)
Brakes Front and Rear - $150 using Raybestos and Wagner Thermoquiets (few hundred more if he used Genuine Lexus parts)
Upper Control arms - Moog ones are $130 each, $260 total (OEM Lexus are $550 per control arm!)
Denso Reman Alternator - $135 Rockauto
Battery - $130
Transmission Fluid - $75 Toyota T4 fluid and $20 Tranny filter, $95
Oil Filter change - $35
Wheel Bearings - $55 each, $110
Hood Struts - $36 Rockauto
TOTAL=$2,336 and most of that I didn't factor in the labor involved since I did it myself, so EASY $2,500-3,000 parts and labor to do all that.
I say if it drives well and you feel comfortable in your gut, the money does add up and it would be a great investment. since you could easily get 3500 for it.
02-12-18, 11:22 PM
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Losiracer,I priced parts out too and using cheapest ebay stuff I came up with 2000.00.
Cool,thats 3 here all thinking its worth checking out. Get this,a nephew owes me 2350.00 yet on the truck I sold him,and its coming when his income tax comes in.So the stars are aligning Im thinking.
IF he calls will probably go see it wednesday morning,but I dont want a 200 mile trip without feeling him out on phone first.
Cool,thats 3 here all thinking its worth checking out. Get this,a nephew owes me 2350.00 yet on the truck I sold him,and its coming when his income tax comes in.So the stars are aligning Im thinking.
IF he calls will probably go see it wednesday morning,but I dont want a 200 mile trip without feeling him out on phone first.
02-12-18, 11:33 PM
#13
Driver School Candidate
hey spuds ... how are things pretty nice LS you have found ..... I think the car will kind of talk to you as you test drive it ..... sounds good / looks good ... sounds fair. I used to have one of those and really enjoyed it. I still have my old 95 LS and am kinda working on it as a hobby these days ..... anyways, best of luck on this : )
pretty nice LS you have found ..... I think the car will kind of talk to you as you test drive it ..... sounds good / looks good ... sounds fair. I used to have one of those and really enjoyed it. I still have my old 95 LS and am kinda working on it as a hobby these days ..... anyways, best of luck on this : )
02-13-18, 12:02 AM
#14
Driver School Candidate
As @JetCat said
@Losiracer2 made some great points.
It would be good to test drive it first but it seems that it is far away. According to Kelley Blue Book a car like that in excellent condition should go for $3,204 Private Party Value ($2,191 - $4,216 range); very good condition $2,927 Private Party Value ($1,993 - $3,860 range); good condition $2,681 Private Party Value ($1,818 - $3,543 range) and fair condition $2,318 Private Party Value ($1,560 - $3,075 range). It seems like a good deal. From the picture, it looks to be in great condition and from what you described. Especially since it is a clean title and had all the maintenance done. EDIT: I just realized that it looks like the previous owner took out the tape deck and added a cd changer. Computing that on KBB added about $100-200 to the above first number estimates.
Which car had 100k miles and is 3500?
Not a mechanic though but it seems like a good deal.
I think the car will kind of talk to you as you test drive it
It would be good to test drive it first but it seems that it is far away. According to Kelley Blue Book a car like that in excellent condition should go for $3,204 Private Party Value ($2,191 - $4,216 range); very good condition $2,927 Private Party Value ($1,993 - $3,860 range); good condition $2,681 Private Party Value ($1,818 - $3,543 range) and fair condition $2,318 Private Party Value ($1,560 - $3,075 range). It seems like a good deal. From the picture, it looks to be in great condition and from what you described. Especially since it is a clean title and had all the maintenance done. EDIT: I just realized that it looks like the previous owner took out the tape deck and added a cd changer. Computing that on KBB added about $100-200 to the above first number estimates.
Which car had 100k miles and is 3500?
Not a mechanic though but it seems like a good deal.
Last edited by ipstat; 02-13-18 at 12:08 AM. Reason: Edit
02-13-18, 12:06 AM
#15
Racer
Losiracer,I priced parts out too and using cheapest ebay stuff I came up with 2000.00.
Cool,thats 3 here all thinking its worth checking out. Get this,a nephew owes me 2350.00 yet on the truck I sold him,and its coming when his income tax comes in.So the stars are aligning Im thinking.
IF he calls will probably go see it wednesday morning,but I dont want a 200 mile trip without feeling him out on phone first.
Cool,thats 3 here all thinking its worth checking out. Get this,a nephew owes me 2350.00 yet on the truck I sold him,and its coming when his income tax comes in.So the stars are aligning Im thinking.
IF he calls will probably go see it wednesday morning,but I dont want a 200 mile trip without feeling him out on phone first.
The guy I bought mine from also did invest about 1200-1500 into mine and I knew that I could get some money off because he did a modification that not a lot of LS400 owners would probably go for, he did a muffler delete and added some 3" Vibrant quad exhaust tips and trimmed the rear bumper to fit. It was very well fabricated, so I only thought of that as a plus not a negative. He probably sunk 250 into the cost of welding piping to the rear and buying those dual quad polished Vibrant tips.
He also bought a new Denso radiator, did the strut rod bushings, Limo tint, cabin filter, hood struts, new tires, front and rear brakes, new alternator, and new battery.